What it is
Amniotic membrane is the thin inner layer of the sac that surrounds a baby during pregnancy. It is donated, usually after a planned birth, and then processed, screened and preserved by tissue suppliers before it is made available to clinicians.
In wound care, amniotic membrane is used as a covering placed over certain wounds. Using it as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye is the established use of amniotic tissue. Whether a particular product is appropriate for a particular wound is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Amniotic products are not all the same. Some are sheets that cover a wound, while others are injectable liquids marketed for joints, pain or 'regeneration.' Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for those uses are generally not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing, so they should not be described as stem-cell treatments.
How it’s traditionally been approached
A wound that is slow to heal is usually looked at as a whole. Clinicians often consider circulation, blood sugar, pressure on the area, infection, nutrition, medications and other health conditions, because any of these can affect how the body repairs skin.
Traditional wound care often includes cleaning the wound, removing tissue that is not healthy, choosing dressings that keep the area appropriately moist and protected, and relieving pressure. Compression, specialized footwear or offloading devices may also be part of a clinician's approach, depending on the cause.
Advanced wound coverings, including some amniotic membrane products, are one of several options clinicians may discuss when a wound has not improved with standard care. Each option has its own benefits, limits and risks, and none is a guarantee.
How the right doctor may help
A wound care specialist or podiatrist may help by finding out why the wound is not healing, not just treating the surface. A first visit generally includes a conversation about your health history, a look at the wound, and possibly checks on circulation, sensation or infection. Foot wounds are often seen by podiatrists, while wound care clinics see many types of wounds.
If an amniotic membrane graft is discussed, it would be one possibility among others, and only after an evaluation. A provider can explain whether it fits your situation, what the process generally involves, and what they would expect to monitor afterward. Results vary and cannot be promised.
Questions worth asking: Is this product FDA-cleared, approved or regulated as a tissue product, and for what use? Where does the tissue come from? What are the risks and the alternatives? What is the total cost, and has my insurance been checked for coverage before treatment? It is also fair to ask what standard care has been tried first and how progress will be measured.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. A wound that lingers can be tiring, painful and discouraging, and stress, poor sleep and worry can in turn make daily self-care harder. Looking at the whole person, including rest, nutrition, movement and emotional well-being, is part of how many people approach healing alongside their medical care.
If the body feels tense or on edge from long-term pain or worry, body-based support such as Somatic Experiences may be one resource to explore. If the emotional weight of a long recovery is hard to carry, talk therapy through Therapists.plus may offer a place to process it. These are complements to, not replacements for, care from a licensed wound provider.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide the care of any wound that is not healing, especially if you have diabetes, circulation problems or reduced feeling in your feet.
- Only a licensed clinician can decide what treatment or product is appropriate after an evaluation; this page is not medical advice.
- Injectable amniotic products marketed for joints, pain or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, so ask about regulatory status, risks, alternatives, total cost and insurance coverage before any treatment.
- For emergencies such as spreading redness, fever, severe pain, pus or a darkening wound, call 911. In a crisis, call or text 988.
For your safety, sensitive situations are best guided by licensed professionals.
Doctors who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What is an amniotic membrane graft for a wound?
An amniotic membrane graft is a thin piece of processed, donated tissue from the amniotic sac that a clinician may place over certain wounds as a covering. Using amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use. Whether it fits your wound is a decision for a licensed provider after an evaluation.
Does insurance cover amniotic membrane grafts?
Coverage varies by plan, product and the type of wound, so there is no single answer. Medical coverage often depends on the diagnosis, what standard care has already been tried, and the clinic's documentation. Ask your provider's office and your insurer about coverage and your total costs before treatment.
Who treats slow-healing wounds?
Wound care specialists and podiatrists commonly treat slow-healing wounds, and other licensed clinicians may be involved depending on the cause. Podiatrists focus on the feet and ankles, while wound care clinics see many wound types. A primary care provider can also help you find the right referral.
Are amniotic injections FDA-approved?
Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products marketed for joints, pain, hair, skin or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Ask any provider about a product's FDA status, tissue source, risks and alternatives.
Are amniotic products stem-cell treatments?
No, they should not be described that way. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing. They also should not be said to regrow tissue, and any provider describing them that way deserves further questions.
What should I ask a wound care provider about amniotic grafts?
Ask what the product is, what its FDA status is, where the tissue comes from, and what the risks and alternatives are. Also ask what standard care has been tried, how progress will be tracked, and what the total cost is. Confirm insurance coverage before treatment begins.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.